The sensory organs that sense rotational movement are located in which structure?

The sensory organs that sense rotational movement are located in which structure?

• A. Cochlea
• B. Utricle
• C. Saccule
• D. Ampulla

Answer: (D)

Rotational movement is detected by the semicircular canals, and the sensory organ sits in the ampulla at the end of each canal. Inside the ampulla is the crista ampullaris, where hair cells extend into a gelatinous cupula. When the head rotates, the endolymph inside the canal lags behind due to inertia, bending the cupula and tugging on the hair cells. This deflection generates neural signals that convey angular acceleration to the brain. The cochlea handles hearing, while the utricle and saccule (otolith organs) detect linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity.

Rotational movement is detected by the semicircular canals, and the sensory organ sits in the ampulla at the end of each canal. Inside the ampulla is the crista ampullaris, where hair cells extend into a gelatinous cupula. When the head rotates, the endolymph inside the canal lags behind due to inertia, bending the cupula and tugging on the hair cells. This deflection generates neural signals that convey angular acceleration to the brain. The cochlea handles hearing, while the utricle and saccule (otolith organs) detect linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity.